It took me forever to fall asleep last night. However, once I finally did, I slept great. I woke up at my normal time, and considering I don’t have a commute today, I decided to start on breakfast for the guys. I know Kacen ended the session when he walked me to my room. I heard him go into his room as well, so I assume the guys went to bed early too. At first, I thought it was weird how they all practically live here, even though it’s Kacen’s house. After watching their interaction the past several weeks, it makes sense. Especially considering they are working on the new album. Last night provided me with a completely new outlook on the dynamics of the group. It also increased my respect for all four of them. They’re goofballs on the best of days, but they dedicate 110 percent of themselves to their music.
I decide to make cinnamon French toast. I’m standing at the stove, waiting to flip the first batch, when I feel strong hands grip my waist and scruff scratch the side of my face.
Kacen.
“Morning, beautiful,” he says as he places a tender kiss on my cheek.
At a loss for words, I stand still as a statue, waiting to see what he’ll do next.
Keeping his hands on my hips, he leans over my shoulder. “French toast. It smells incredible.”
His words are soft and spoken next to my ear. His voice is gruff from lack of use. It sends tingles throughout my body. Not to mention that he’s pressed tight against me.
“Th-Thank you,” I stutter. I swallow hard and try again. “This first batch is almost ready.”
“Damn, Logan! Can you just move in? Waking up to your cooking could spoil a guy,” Gavin says, joining us.
“Might not be a bad idea,” Kacen whispers.
I’m shocked, not only by his words, but how he’s acting with me today. Yesterday was just an . . . off day, with the run-in with Daniel and deciding to stay here, at least until Stacy gets home. Today, I’m at a loss. I don’t know why he’s acting like this. Like we’re together. It’s confusing and it’s hard for my head to control my heart when he’s standing this close.
“Go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it to you,” I say, flipping the first batch of toast. I don’t look over my shoulder at him. I just keep my eyes trained on the griddle.
“Can I do anything?” he asks.
“Nope. I’m good here. Just go take a seat and I’ll make you both a plate.”
“You don’t need to wait on us.”
“I want to, now go.” I wave the spatula in the air, hoping he takes the hint.
He does, but not before kissing my cheek. “Thanks for breakfast,” he says, then releases his hold on me and joins Gavin at the table.
I try like hell to ignore my body’s reaction to him. I focus on breakfast. The first batch of French toast is done. I plate it, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, and set a plate in front of each of them. I know it won’t be long before Tristan and Cole come wandering in, so I keep cooking. I make them both a plate and just finish sprinkling the powdered sugar when they walk into the kitchen. Tristan is rubbing his eyes and Cole is wearing nothing but his boxer briefs. His eyes are not even half open. They both plop down at the table. I carry their plates and slide them in front of them. They both mumble what I think is “Thank you” as I walk back to the stove.
“What the fuck, man?” I hear Kacen’s voice. I don’t turn around. I just keep working on my next batch.
“What?” Cole answers.
“Where in the fuck are your clothes?” Kacen says through gritted teeth.
“I—” Cole tries to speak, but Kacen cuts him off.
“You don’t need to be walking around in front of her like that. What the hell, man? You knew she was staying here. Hell, you knew she was cooking breakfast. Why the fuck didn’t you get dressed?” he seethes.
“Didn’t think about it,” Cole mumbles. I imagine he just shrugged his shoulders as well. I don’t turn around to see. I just continue to cook.
“If you’re going to stay here, you need to wear fucking clothes,” Kacen spits out.
“Dude,” Tristan says.
“What? He’s practically naked.”
Okay, I’ve heard enough. Turning to face the table, I say, “Kacen, it’s not like he has something I’ve never seen before. He’s covered. None of you should have to change your ways just because I took advantage of your generosity. Besides, I’ve seen Cole in his underwear before.”
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. “What the fuck? What do you mean you’ve seen him in his underwear before?” he asks.
“Hello? I’m here five days a week all hours of the day. I’ve run into all of them at one point or another, well . . . except you.”
Kacen runs his fingers through his hair. I can see his wheels turning as he processes what I’ve just told him. Pushing back from the table, he comes to stand in front of me. He cups my cheek with his big hand. “I’m sorry. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. You shouldn’t have to see that.” I get lost in the blue of his eyes as he watches me. “Never again,” he says loud enough for them to hear. “Do you hear me? I want you all clothed in front of Logan,” he says, still looking at me.
“Kacen,” I whisper his name. “It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me.”
Leaning close, his voice feather soft, he says, “It bothers me, babe.”
Okay, then. I nod once, letting him know I’m not going to argue with him, and turn back to the stove. His hand drops from my face. I’m working on my next batch when Kacen appears beside me. He has his plate in his hand as he leans against the counter, finishing his breakfast. Biting my tongue, I make each of them another plate, then make me two pieces as well. As I sit at the island to eat, Kacen pulls the stool out beside me and sits down.
“So what’s on the agenda for today?”
This is not normal for us. Is he concerned I’m not doing my job? “I have to call Cassidy today. She left me a message last night saying she has something she wants me to run by you guys.”
“After that, maybe you can take a break? Let’s go for a swim,” he suggests.
“Kacen, you pay me to work, not swim.”
“I pay you to keep us organized, to keep us fed. You do that; hell, you excel at that. Take a few hours to relax.”
Wow. His words touch me. I try to remain professional and keep up with the demands of the job. I’m thrilled he thinks I’m excelling. It took me a while to get into the swing of it, but now I field fan mail, take care of landscapers, cleaning staff, and basically every other need he or the band may have while they are here. I’ve also been working with Cassidy and the label on scheduling some appearances for later in the year when they hope to have the album complete. It’s unreal how far in advance you have to plan for the release. I’ve learned a lot, and I love what I do. All the more reason to keep my head controlling my heart.
“Let me see what Cassidy wants and how long it takes to get through the messages today. Maybe later this afternoon.”
“Fine.” He places his hand on top of mine. His thumb gently rolls across my knuckles. “This isn’t a conventional job, Logan. As long as it’s done and you are here if I need you, that’s all that matters. If you get it done in ten hours per week, good for you. I’m still going to pay you your full salary. I see how hard you work. We’re not an easy bunch.”
“Speak for yourself,” Cole chimes in.
“That’s enough from the naked peanut gallery. Finish eating and get some damn clothes on.”
“Like I said, I’ll see how it goes.”
“Fair enough.” He gives my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing his hold on me. However, he remains on the stool beside me, making casual conversation while I finish eating. My head tells me he’s just being friendly, my heart tells me he feels the connection too. I’m in so much trouble.